NBA Playoffs Simulation - Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors

I am not sure anyone saw the Toronto Raptors being the 3 seed in the East prior to the season. DeMar DeRozan really elevated his game this season and alongside Kyle Lowry will be the reason the young Raptors can get by the veteran Nets. Brooklyn got off to a terrible start but figured things out, even after Brook Lopez was lost for the season. Our simulation has the Nets winning in 5 games.

Game 1

Nets 98Raptors 88

Nets lead series 1-0

The Nets only shot 41% for the game but they were deadly from behind the arch, making 14 of their 28 attempts. They also were able to knock down 24 free throws, compared to the Raptors hitting 15 free throws.

Joe Johnson led the way for Brooklyn with a game high 26 points and he also dished out 7 assists. Marcus Thornton hit four 3's off the bench and finished the game with 16 points. Paul Pierce did not have a great night shooting, as he went 3-10 from the field but he finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Game 2

Nets 112
Raptors 111

Nets lead series 2-0

The Nets overcame a 7 point deficit after 3 quarters and went on to beat the Raptors by 1, to take a 2-0 lead in series.

Brooklyn got a big game from point guard Deron Williams as he scored 23 points on 9-18 shooting (4-7 from behind the arch), he also grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 8 assists. Joe Johnson scored 19 points despite a poor shooting night. Kevin Garnett was very effective, shooting 7-11 from the field and finishing with 17 points and 4 rebounds. Marcus Thornton and Andray Blatche combined for 25 points off the bench.

DeMar DeRozan was very sloppy with the ball as he turned it over 7 times but still scored 25 points on 12-18 shooting. He also had 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Terrence Ross scored 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 5 rebounds. Kyle Lowry posted a triple-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.

Game 3

Raptors 119Nets 106

Nets lead series 2-1

Toronto had a hot shooting night and were able to get back into the series. The Raptors shot 51% from the field, hit 10-20 from behind the arch and knocked down 29-31 from the foul line.

DeMar DeRozan had a team high 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Terrence Ross added 21 points on 8-12 shooting. Despite 12 turnovers Kyle Lowry had another good game with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 13 assists. Tyler Hansbrough had 14 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Deron Williams led the Nets with 26 points on 9-18 shooting. Joe Johnson was just 1-6 from downtown and turned the ball over 6 times but finished with 20 points and 5 assists. Paul Pierce scored 17 points to go along with his 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Mason Plumlee grabbed 10 rebounds.

Game 4

Raptors 93
Nets 109

Nets lead series 3-1

The Nets held the Raptors to 36% shooting as they take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. Brooklyn dominated the paint, outscoring Toronto 38-18.

DeMar DeRozan continues to be impressive in this series as he scored another 30 points to go along with his 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Patrick Patterson hit three 3's off the bench as he scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Amir Johnson had 10 rebounds.

Game 5

Nets 104
Raptors 93

Nets win series 4-1

Brooklyn was able to force 22 Toronto turnovers on their way to a 104-93 victory as they advance to the Eastern Conference Semis.

We saw a vintage Kevin Garnett as he led the Nets with 22 points on 8-16 shooting. Garnett also had 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Joe Johnson was 7-18 from the field as he poured in 18 points. Marcus Thornton hit three 3's off the bench and he finished with 14 points. Andrei Kirilenko added 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals off the bench.

Once again DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with 22 points. Kyle Lowry almost had another triple-double with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. Patrick Patterson added 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas grabbed 15 rebounds.